Maximum received power statistics within RF reflective enclosures for HERO/EMV testing

Statistical models for maximum electromagnetic fields within RF reflective enclosures (i.e. complex cavities) have historically been derived from parent distributions obtained from the central limit theorem applied to sums of random variables. However, recent work has been done to apply the Fisher-Tippett theorem and its associated generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution to model enclosure maximums directly. The purpose of this paper is to experimentally validate the GEV distribution to model maximum received power measurements within a complex cavity for use in Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO) and Electromagnetic Vulnerability (EMV) testing. Distribution parameters and associated confidence intervals are statistically determined through maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) methods.